Abstract: Provided are mixed ligand metal nanoparticle chemical sensors in which metal nanoparticles are encapsulated by at least two kinds of different molecule ligands having a relatively low conductivity and various composition ratios, and a chemical sensor array in which a film of the metal nanoparticle sensor is formed on the substrate. The metal nanoparticle sensor using the mixed ligand improves sensitivity and reaction speed with respect to an analyte, and selectivity with respect to various analytes, and a kind and a composition of a ligand of the mixed ligand constituting the metal nanoparticle sensor are adjusted to allow the high sensitivity nanoparticle sensor to be applied to the sensor array technology, thereby enabling a design of sensor properties as well as systematic access to a configuration of the sensor array the most efficient for the analytes.

Abstract: A method for detecting a substance in a liquid with high accuracy and high sensitivity includes recording frequency drifts of output frequencies of oscillator circuit outputs of m sensing oscillator circuits respectively including sensing SAW elements and frequency drifts of output frequencies of oscillator circuit outputs of n reference oscillator circuits respectively including reference SAW elements; determining at least one of the sensing oscillator circuits whose frequency drifts fall within a predetermined range and at least one of the reference oscillator circuits whose frequency drifts fall within the predetermined range to be acceptable; selecting at least one of the sensing oscillator circuits from among the acceptable sensing oscillator circuits and at least one of the reference oscillator circuits from among the acceptable reference oscillator circuits; and comparing an oscillator circuit output of the selected at least one of sensing oscillator circuits with an oscillator circuit output of the se

Abstract: The food astringency evaluating method of the invention comprises a step in which an astringent component of a food is reacted with a peptide to form a complex, a step in which a prescribed measured value is obtained corresponding to the amount of formation of the complex, and a step in which the strength of astringency is determined from the obtained measured value based on a previously obtained correlation between strength of astringency and the prescribed measured value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for analyzing a sample by utilizing a double integration circuit (11) for outputting a physical quantity related to the output from an analytical tool (2). In the present invention, the time interval from when the output from the analytical tool (2) is inputted into the double integration circuit (11) till when the physical quantity is started to be outputted from the double integration circuit (11) differs before and after the supply of the sample to the analytical tool (2) is confirmed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing an NOx removal catalyst, which method enables assessment of actual catalytic performance in consideration of gas flow condition in the gas conduits of the NOx removal catalyst.

Abstract: A bilirubin sensor has a working electrode with a first chemical matrix disposed thereon that contains a binder, a substrate electrode with a second chemical matrix dispose thereon that contains a binder and a chemical agent that consumes bilirubin, a reference electrode, a sample chamber containing the working electrode, the substrate electrode and the reference electrode, and a method of measuring bilirubin in a body fluid.

Abstract: A semiconductor nanowire is coated with a chemical coating layer that comprises a functional material which modulates the quantity of free charge carriers within the semiconductor nanowire. The outer surface of the chemical coating layer includes a chemical group that facilitates bonding with molecules to be detected through electrostatic forces. The bonding between the chemical coating layer and the molecules alters the electrical charge distribution in the chemical coating layer, which alters the amount of the free charge carriers and the conductivity in the semiconductor nanowire. The coated semiconductor nanowire may be employed as a chemical sensor for the type of chemicals that bonds with the functional material in the chemical coating layer. Detection of such chemicals may indicate pH of a solution, a vapor pressure of a reactive material in gas phase, and/or a concentration of a molecule in a solution.

Abstract: A method of positioning a sample at a desired location relative to a magnetic sensor, for measurement of magnetic characteristics of the sample. A sample mounting substrate is provided, and an amphifunctional molecule is bound to the sample mounting substrate at the desired location. The amphifunctional molecule has a portion for binding to the sample mounting substrate, and a portion for capturing the sample. The sample is then provided for capture by the amphifunctional molecule.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for quantitation of glycated protein in a biological sample using a solid support matrix by making a first bound protein measurement total bound protein under conditions where both glycated and non-glycated protein bind to the support in making a second bound protein measurement under conditions where glycated protein is bound to the support and non-glycated protein is not substantially bound. Diagnostic devices and kits comprising the methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention includes devices and methods for forming random arrays of magnetic particles, arrays formed using these devices and methods, and to methods of using the arrays. The invention provides an assembly (chip) with magnetic domains that produce localized magnetic fields capable of immobilizing magnetic particles such as commercially available magnetic beads. Probe or sensor molecules can be coupled to the beads, which are then dispersed on the assembly, forming a random order array. The arrays can be used for analyzing samples, targets, and/or the interaction between samples and targets. The invention finds particular use in processes such as high-throughput genotyping and other nucleic acid hybridization-based assays.

Abstract: A method of making a nanoclusters functionalized with a single DNA strand comprising the steps of providing nanoclusters, combining said nanoclusters with thiolated DNA, incubating said nanoclusters and thiolated DNA mixture, combining said mixture with a solution comprising ethanol and dichloromethane; separating said mixture into an aqueous phase and an organic phase, mixing said aqueous phase with a solution comprising dicholormethane and NaCl, and separating the mixture into an aqueous phase and an organic phase; wherein said organic phase comprises said nanoclusters functionalized with a single DNA strand. Further, provided is a nanocluster functionalized with a single DNA strand comprising a nanocluster, said nanocluster being functionalized with a single DNA strand, said DNA strand having a length of about 10 to about 50 bases.

Abstract: In a process for the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently labelled biological cells 5, a cell layer on a transparent support at the bottom 2 of a reaction vessel 1 is in contact with a solution 3 containing the fluorescent dye 4. The sensitivity of analytical detection can be considerably improved if to the fluorescent dye 4 already present in addition a masking dye 9, which absorbs the excitation light 6 for the fluorescent dye 4 and/or its emission light 7, is added to the solution 3 and/or if a separating layer 10 permeable to the solution and absorbing and/or reflecting the excitation light 6 or the emission light 7 is applied to the cell layer at the bottom 2. This process can also be used for improving the sensitivity in the quantitative optical analysis of a luminescent biological cell layer. The separating layer 10 must in this case be composed such that it has a high power of reflection for the luminescent light 11.

Abstract: Thermally-conductive laboratory bath media can be used to replace conventional wet media or dry solid blocks in existing thermal baths for heating or cooling samples with advantageous maintenance and microbial control benefits. The media is typically in the form of metallic or metallic-coated pellets that have rounded edges, hardened surface, a smooth polished finish, and are sized small for efficient thermal communication between pellets and samples. Laboratory bath improvements are disclosed with various advanced controls and adaptations for thermal control as well as infection control.

Abstract: The invention involves methods, assays, and components for the detection and analysis of binding between biological or chemical species, and can specifically be used for drug discovery. In an example where drug discovery is carried out, different candidate drugs can be attached to different articles such as magnetic beads. The beads can be exposed to colloid particles carrying signaling entities, or other signaling entities, immobilized with respect to protein targets of the drug candidates. After incubation, all beads are drawn to separate surface locations magnetically. Beads are released from surface locations where it is determined that signaling entities do not exist, and are removed from the assay. Beads held at other surface locations then are released, re-distributed, and re-attracted to surface locations. This is repeated with appropriate wash steps, until individual drug candidates can be isolated and identified.

Abstract: An electronic system for selectively detecting and identifying a plurality of chemical species, which comprises an array of nanostructure sensing devices, is disclosed. Within the array, there are at least two different selectivities for sensing among the nanostructure sensing devices. Methods for fabricating the electronic system are also disclosed. The methods involve modifying nanostructures within the devices to have different selectivity for sensing chemical species. Modification can involve chemical, electrochemical, and self-limiting point defect reactions. Reactants for these reactions can be supplied using a bath method or a chemical jet method. Methods for using the arrays of nanostructure sensing devices to detect and identify a plurality of chemical species are also provided.

Abstract: The application relates to a chemical sensor device comprising a substrate (1), a sensor medium (3) formed on the substrate, the sensor medium comprising one-dimensional nanoparticles, wherein the one-dimensional nanoparticles essentially consist of a semiconducting AxBy compound, e.g. V2O5 and detection means (2) for detecting a change of a physical property of the sensor medium e.g. conductivity. The porosity of the sensor medium supports a fast access of the analyte to the sensing material and therefore a fast response of the sensor. The selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor can be tailored by doping the one-dimensional nanoscale material with different dopants or by varying the dopant concentration. Sensitivity of the sensor device to an analyte, preferably an amine, can be increased by increasing relative humidity of the sample to at least 5%.

Abstract: Methods for analyte detection with magnetic sensors are provided. Aspects of the methods include producing a magnetic sensor device having a magnetically labeled analyte from a sample, such as a serum sample, bound to a surface of a magnetic sensor thereof; and obtaining a signal, e.g., a real-time signal, from the magnetic sensor to determine whether the analyte is present in the sample. Also provided are devices, systems and kits that find use in practicing the methods of the invention. The methods, devices, systems and kits of the invention find use in a variety of different applications, including detection of biomarkers, such as disease markers.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of biomolecule detection. More specifically, the present invention relates to compositions, methods and systems for the detection and manipulation of biomolecules using magnetic particles.

Abstract: A sensor or a sensor array connected to an electrical measuring apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, at least one sensor contains a layer of conductive modified particles which forms an electrical pathway or electrical circuit between two electrodes which are connected to an electrical measuring apparatus. In another embodiment, the first sensor contains at least one region of a nonconducting material and also a region that contains one or more modified particles. The modified particles are preferably conductive. An electrical path exists though the regions of the nonconducting material and the region containing the modified particles. The modified particles are conductive and more preferably are pigment particles such as modified carbon black, wherein the modified particles have attached at least one organic group.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A gas-sensing semiconductor device is fabricated on a silicon substrate having a thin silicon oxide insulating layer in which a resistive heater made of a CMOS compatible high temperature metal is embedded. The high temperature metal is tungsten. The device includes at least one sensing area provided with a gas-sensitive layer separated from the heater by an insulating layer. As one of the final fabrication steps, the substrate is back-etched so as to form a thin membrane in the sensing area. Except for the back-etch and the gas-sensitive layer formation, that are carried out post-CMOS, all other layers, including the tungsten resistive heater, are made using a CMOS process employing tungsten metallisation. The device can be monolithically integrated with the drive, control and transducing circuitry using low cost CMOS processing. The heater, the insulating layer and other layers are made within the CMOS sequence and they do not require extra masks or processing.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A semiconductor sensing device for sensing presence, absence or level of species-of-interest in the environment is disclosed. The semiconductor sensing device comprises at least one layer of molecules deposited thereon. The molecules are electrically-responsive to the species-of-interest in a manner such that when the molecules interact with the species-of-interest, a reverse breakdown voltage characterizing the semiconductor sensing device is modified.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube devices are manipulated in a manner that is useful for a variety of implementations. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, light (632) is used to photodesorb molecules from a carbon nanotube (620).

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the structural analysis of a saccharide, comprising: a) providing on a surface a plurality of essentially sequence- and/or site-specific binding agents; b) contacting said surface with a saccharide to be analyzed, or with a mixture comprising a plurality of fragments of said saccharide; c) washing or otherwise removing unbound saccharide or saccharide fragments; d) adding to the surface obtained in step c) an essentially sequence- and/or site-specific marker, or a mixture of essentially sequence- and/or site-specific markers; e) acquiring one or more images of the markers that are bound to said surface; and f) deriving information related to the identity of the saccharide being analyzed from said image.

Abstract: A mixed potential sensor device and methods for measuring total ammonia (NH3) concentration in a gas is provided. The gas is first partitioned into two streams directed into two sensing chambers. Each gas stream is conditioned by a specific catalyst system. In one chamber, in some instances at a temperature of at least about 600° C., the gas is treated such that almost all of the ammonia is converted to NOx, and a steady state equilibrium concentration of NO to NO2 is established. In the second chamber, the gas is treated with a catalyst at a lower temperature, preferably less than 450° C. such that most of the ammonia is converted to nitrogen (N2) and steam (H2O). Each gas is passed over a sensing electrode in a mixed potential sensor system that is sensitive to NOx. The difference in the readings of the two gas sensors can provide a measurement of total NH3 concentration in the exhaust gas. The catalyst system also functions to oxidize any unburned hydrocarbons such as CH4, CO, etc.

Abstract: Nanotubes and nanotube-based devices are implemented in a variety of applications. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a nanotube is adapted to pass current between two conductive elements. In one implementation, each conductive element includes a catalyst material, wherein electrical connection is made to opposite ends of the nanotube at each of the catalyst portions. In one implementation, the electrical connection is used to detect an electrical characteristic of the nanotube, such as the response of the nanotube to exposure to one or more of a variety of materials. In another implementation, the nanotube is used for chemical and biological sensing. In still another implementation, a particular functionality is imparted to the nanotube using one or more of a variety of materials coupled to the nanotube, such as metal particles, biological particles and/or layers of the same.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A thiol terminated ethylene oxide oligomer and the method of substituting the oligomer onto a gold nanocluster surface using a thiol-exchange reaction to form a charge-neutral, non-ionizable, water soluble, ethylene oxide protected gold nanocluster. The thiol terminated ethylene oxide oligomer has the formula CH3(OCH2CH2)xSH where x varies from one to ten. Also disclosed is the related method of making the thiol terminated ethylene oxide oligomer.

Abstract: Measurement of the redox properties of household dust is used to detect the presence of allergen-associated materials. Measurement may be electrochemical, preferably amperometric. A disposable electrode assembly may be made by screen printing with conductive (e.g. carbon and Ag/AgCl) inks. An absorbent pad overlying the electrodes can be used to wipe a surface to collect a sample. It may contain electrolyte and buffer components, so that adding water carries sample in an electrolyte/buffer solution to the electrodes.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the time to change the oil of an automobile engine including a power source unit for converting power into necessary power and supplies power at the startup time. A degradation detection unit is installed in an engine oil chamber and is formed using carbon nanotubes as a sensor capable of detecting degradation of the engine oil. A small signal amplification unit amplifies the signals detected from the oil conditions and amplifies the minute signal output from the degradation detection unit. The oil-condition determination unit compares value, corresponding to the degraded state of the engine oil, with a set reference value, to determine the time to change the engine oil. The display unit displaying the oil-condition in text form as information about the time to change oil.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the time to change the oil of an automobile engine including a power source unit for converting power into necessary power and supplies power at the startup time. A degradation detection unit is installed in an engine oil chamber and is formed using carbon nanotubes as a sensor capable of detecting degradation of the engine oil. A small signal amplification unit amplifies the signals detected from the oil conditions and amplifies the minute signal output from the degradation detection unit. The oil-condition determination unit compares value, corresponding to the degraded state of the engine oil, with a set reference value, to determine the time to change the engine oil. The display unit displaying the oil-condition in text form as information about the time to change oil.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for testing material libraries, in particular catalysts, by means of coupled use of at least two analytical methods, preferably IR thermography and mass spectrometry. Owing to the selected arrangement, the disadvantages of the two previously known individual methods are compensated for: the subsequent selectivity determination for selected sections by means of mass spectrometry invalidates the argument against IR thermography, of only being able to determine activities; the rapid integrated determination of potentially “good” materials via IR thermography prevents an excessive loss of time by needing to test all materials of a library successively with the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A device and method which comprises a sensing surface on a membrane, solid surface or electrode, where the sensing surface contains a dye or chromophore chosen in relation to a particular target substance to be detected and quantified. The dye or chromophore is of a type which produces an electrical signal upon illumination. The particular dye or chromophore chosen for a particular target substance is one in which the presence of the target substance causes a change in the electrical signal produced. The presence of the target substance modifies the expected photo-induced charge movements (PICM) produced by the sensing surface upon illumination. The photo-induced charge movements produce signals which are detected by electronic circuits, and the presence and concentration of the target substance is determined by analyzing the difference between the PICM of the target sample versus the PICM of a control sample lacking the target substance.

Abstract: A method for investigating a target environment to determine whether or in what amount a chemical species may be present therein, which comprises: (a) exposing to said environment an article of manufacture comprising a multiplicity of particles in close-packed orientation, said particles having a core of conductive metal or conductive metal alloy and deposited thereon a ligand which is capable of interacting with said species such that a property of said multiplicity of particles is altered; (b) subjecting said multiplicity of particles to conditions sufficient for said property to be exhibited; and (c) monitoring said property to determine whether there is, or the amount of, any change as an indication of whether, or in what amount, said species is present; a multiplicity of particles suitable for use in such method; and equipment suitable for implementing the method.

Abstract: In an ammonia sensor (1), lead portions (7) and (9) are provided on an insulating substrate (5); a pair of comb-shaped electrodes (11) and (13) are connected to the lead portions (7) and (9), respectively; a sensitive layer (15) is provided on the comb-shaped electrodes (11) and (13); and a protective layer (17) is provided on the sensitive layer (15). Particularly, the sensitive layer (15) is formed of a gas-sensitive raw material predominantly containing ZrO2 and containing at least W in an amount of 2 to 40 wt. % as reduced to WO3.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel IC chips containing substances used particularly in bioassays. Furthermore, the invention is directed to assay methods and kits using these chips.

Abstract: New sensors and methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple gaseous substances simultaneously with both high selectivity and high sensitivity are provided. The new sensors rely on a characteristic difference in energy between the interaction of a particular substance with a catalyst coated heat transfer device (HTD) and a non-catalyst coated (or one coated with a different catalyst) reference HTD. Molecular detection is achieved by an exothermic or endothermic chemical or physical reaction between the catalytic surface of the sensor and the molecule, tending to induce a temperature change of the sensor. Both high temperature and non-destructive low temperature detection are possible. The magnitude and rate of endothermic or exothermic heat transfer from a specific molecule-catalyst interaction is related to molecular concentration.

Abstract: A leak detection system for a flowing electrolyte battery comprising a containment member associated with at least one of a stack of a flowing electrolyte battery and an electrolyte reservoir of a flowing electrolyte battery and a sensing member for sensing a fluid leak within the containment member.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of an analyte by comparing the conductivity of a mixture containing an analyte and a sensor to the conductivity of the sensor in the absence of analyte. In certain embodiments, the sensor of the present invention consists of a complexing domain comprising a metal ion and a complexing agent and a conducting polymer, wherein the redox potential of the metal ion is similar to the redox potential of the conducting polymer. In one preferred embodiment, the presence of nitric oxide is detected by measuring the conducting change of a sensor comprising poly N,N?-ethylenebis(salicylidenimine) and cobalt. The poly N,N?-ethylenebis(salicylidenimine) cobalt sensors of the present invention are not adversely effected by the presence of water or oxygen.

Abstract: A microsystem for determining clotting time of blood and a low-cost, single-use device for use therein are provided wherein the device has no moving parts or expensive optical sensors or magnets. The device includes a microfluidic channel and a microsensor at least partially in fluid communication with the channel. By analyzing changes in the sensor as a drop of blood flows down the microfluidic channel, the time at which the blood clots can be determined.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for carrying out and/or monitoring biological reactions in response to electrical stimuli. A programmable multiplexed active biologic array includes an array of electrodes coupled to sample-and-hold circuits. The programmable multiplexed active biologic array includes a digital interface that allows external control of the array using an external processor. The circuit may monitor, digitally control, and deliver electrical stimuli to the electrodes individually or in selected groups.

Abstract: A reader is provided that, itself, addresses the issue of damage or degradation to arrays within the reader by virtue of air exposure. In doing so, experimental variability is reduced, and read/scan signal strength degradation is minimized for arrays/slides scanned or otherwise read toward the end of a run. The subject scanners employ a filter that reduces the amount of chemicals in the air inside the device that are harmful to the array, or the dye on the array. The implementation of adding a chemical filter to the reader device may be such that air is either drawn into or, alternatively, pushed through the filter into the same. It is possible that the entirety of the device may be provided with filtered air, or just the region holding slides to be scanned. Array readers so-constructed as well as associated methodology involving filtering incoming air while reading arrays are covered.

Abstract: A compact ceramic fuel property sensor comprises a plurality of laminated ceramic layers. The heater, temperature sensor, and capacitance measurement electrodes are embedded between the layers. The capacitance electrodes include interdigitated electrodes and fuel traps for containing a sample of liquid fuel disposed between the interdigitated electrodes. The dimensions of the fuel traps are selected so that the fuel traps remain filled with liquid after said sensor has been bathed in fuel. A method for monolithically preparing the sensors provides a reduced cost method and a sensor that can survive indefinitely in liquid fuel.

Abstract: Karl Fischer reagent comprising iodide, sulphur dioxide with an initial concentration above 0.5 M, and imidazole/imidazole derivative dissolved in alcoholic solvent, whereby the molar ratio between the initial imidazole/imidazole derivative concentration and the initial sulphur dioxide concentration is above 10. The reagent contains a modifying substance that is an aliphatic hydrocarbon, or a primary or secondary alcohol, or a combination thereof. A method for the determination of water content by means of Karl Fischer coulometric titration in a diaphragm-free cell, whereby the Karl Fischer reagent is used, and the coulometric titration is carried out in a diaphragm-free cell. Use of the Karl Fischer reagent in a method for the determination of water content by means of coulometric titration.

Abstract: Plasticizer-free ion-detecting sensors for detecting a target ion in a sample are provided. The sensor comprises a plasticizer-free copolymer comprised of polymerized units of methacrylate monomers and a polymerizable ion exchanger, wherein the methacrylated monomers have pendent alkyl groups of different length and wherein the functionalized ion-exchanger is grafted into the copolymer through covalent linkages. The ion exchanger comprises a C-derivative of a halogenated closo-dodecacarborane anion having a polymerizable moiety. Sensors of this invention include carrier-based ion-selective electrodes or optodes such as thin film ion-specific optodes, particle-based optodes, or bulk optodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the detection of hydrocarbons other than methane in a gas predominantly or essentially comprising oxygen, as well as methane and the said hydrocarbons other than methane, the said process comprising: a stage of detection of the combined hydrocarbons in the said gas, providing a first value for the combined hydrocarbons, a stage of combustion of the hydrocarbons other than methane, a stage of detection of methane in the said gas, providing a second value, a stage of calculation of the amount of hydrocarbons other than methane by the difference between the first value and the second value. The invention also relates to a device for implementing this process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanoparticle film comprising a nanoparticle network formed of nanoparticles interlinked by linker molecules. The linker molecules have at least two linker units that can bind to the surface of the nanoparticles. By introducing selectivity-enhancing units in the linker molecule, the selectivity of the nanoparticle film towards target analytes can be enhanced. A fine-tuning of the selectivity can be achieved by including a fine-tuning unit in the vicinity of the selectivity-enhancing unit. The nanoparticle film can be used to produce chemical sensors which are selective and stable in their performance.